Mark 8:5

“And he asked them, how many loaves have ye? etc..] (See Gill on “<401534>Matthew 15:34”); and they said, seven. Matthew adds, “and a few little fishes”, which are here afterwards mentioned.”

“See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 15:32-39. Mark 8:1 In those days - While in the wilderness, where he had cured the deaf-mute man. Having nothing to eat - Having come unprovided, or having consumed what they had brought. Mark 8:2 I have compassions - I pity their condition. I am disposed to relieve them. Mark 8:9 Four thousand - Four thousand “men,” besides women and children. See Matthew 15:38. See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 15:32-39. return to 'Top of Page'”

“8:5 Seven loaves: Numerous attempts have been made to allegorize the numbers in the two feeding miracles, but the lack of consensus among these interpretations, and the reference to “a few fish” in the present story, suggest that the numbers are not symbolic. None of the Gospel writers associate any clear significance with these numbers, and this should warn us against doing so. As with the feeding of the 5,000, the purpose of the numbers is to magnify the greatness of the miracle and of Jesus.”

“How: Mar 6:38; Mat 14:15-17, Mat 15:34; Luk 9:13 Mark 8:6”